Lot 404
OTAGAKI RENGETSU (1791-1875)
SET OF FIVE INSCRIBED STONEWARE SAKE CUPS
Fine Asian & Islamic Works of Art
Auction: 3 November 2023 from 09:00 GMT
Description
大田垣蓮月 京焼・杯 共箱（共五件）
each carved on the exterior with poem, covered in a ivory tinged glaze with fine craquelure, with inscribed and sealed tomobako
Dimensions
heights: 3.7cm to 3.8cm
Provenance
Provenance: Private collection, London; acquired from Ura Art Museum Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
Footnote
Note: Ōtagaki Rengetsu is probably the most famous female artist of the 19th century in Japan, especially known for her excellent skills in calligraphy and pottery. She was born the illegitimate daughter of a samurai from the Tōdō family. Soon after her birth, she was adopted by Ōtagaki Mitsuhasa, who worked at Chion'in, an important temple of the Jōdo (Pure Land) school in Kyōto. In 1798, after losing her mother and brother, she was sent to serve as a lady-in-waiting at Kameoka Castle in Tanba, where she was taught classical poetry, calligraphy, and martial arts.
At only 33 years of age, she had already experienced some fateful years in her life, losing two husbands and all five of her children. She then decided to shave her hair and take Buddhist vows, taking the name Rengetsu (Lotus Moon). During this time, she lived with her stepfather near Chion'in Temple. After his death in 1832, Rengetsu began making her extraordinary pottery, which she usually inscribed with her own waka (31-syllable classical poetry) and sold to support herself. With her unique combination of pottery, calligraphy, and poetry, Rengetsu gained recognition far beyond the borders of Kyōto during her lifetime.